Dental Health Information: Gum Disease and Your General Health
We all know that prevention is one of the keys to maintaining overall health.
We exercise and watch what we eat to help reduce our risk of heart attack, stroke and certain cancers. In much the same way, we should take good care of our oral (dental) health now to prevent gum disease and tooth loss later.
Why is this so important? The reasons are much more than cosmetic. While we once believed the worst outcome of gum disease was tooth loss, we now know that oral health matters from head to toe.
Like smoking, elevated cholesterol or obesity, periodontal (gum and bone) disease may be a risk factor for a number of serious health conditions. In recent studies, gum disease has been linked to:
- heart disease and stroke
- pneumonia and other respiratory diseases
- diabetes
- premature, low birth weight deliveries
How is this possible? For those with gum disease, the simple act of brushing the teeth or chewing can injure gum tissue, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream. It is believed that these bacteria may travel to other parts of the body, potentially worsening or causing other types of health problems.
Back to TopGum Disease and Your Heart
Preventing gum disease may be good for your heart...
New research suggests gum disease may put you at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact, according to some studies, the presence of gum disease could be a significant risk factor, comparable to smoking, family history and elevated cholesterol.
Studies have suggested that bacteria from diseased gums may travel through the bloodstream, potentially contributing to the formation of artery-clogging plaques.
In one of more than five studies conducted recently into the potential links between gum disease and the heart, a group of 1,200 U.S. veterans was followed over a 35-year period. The group underwent extensive medical tests, including regular dental check-ups. The study found that men with moderate to severe gum disease were much more likely to suffer a stroke or from heart disease than those with healthy gums.
Researchers also believe that gum disease may contribute to infective endocarditis, a condition in which the interior lining of the heart and heart valves become inflamed, possibly due to a bacterial infection. If left untreated, this condition could lead to a fatal infection.
Back to TopGum Disease and Your Lungs
Preventing gum disease may help you breathe easier...
Traditionally, we have thought of smoking, advanced age, and the presence of other health conditions that weaken the immune system, as risk factors for lung disease. But scientists now believe that gum disease may also be a significant risk factor, increasing the risk of respiratory infections, and potentially worsening respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Bacterial respiratory infections are caused by the aspiration or inhaling of germs from the mouth and throat into the lungs. When these germs reach the lower respiratory tract, they may cause infections or worsen existing lung conditions.
Recent studies have found that bacteria found in the oral cavity can travel to the lungs and cause diseases such as pneumonia, particularly in people with gum disease.
Back to TopGum Disease and Diabetes
Preventing gum disease may help you manage the conditions associated with diabetes...
In recent years, we have learned that people with diabetes are more prone to a variety of bacterial infections, including gum disease, than people without diabetes. The latest research suggests the relationship between gum disease and diabetes may be even stronger. Having gum disease may in fact worsen an existing case of diabetes, or put you at risk for the complications associated with diabetes.
In one recent study, patients with diabetes required insulin treatment less often following treatment for their gum disease. In another study, it was found that severe periodontal disease may increase both blood sugar levels and the amount of time the body functions with high blood sugar, putting those with diabetes at increased risk for complications.
The results of these studies suggest severe gum disease may be an important risk factor in the progression of diabetes, and that people with both diabetes and gum disease should receive regular treatment from an oral health professional to reduce inflammation of the gums.
Back to TopGum Disease and Pregnancy
Preventing gum disease may be good for your baby...
Research has linked gum disease in women to an increased risk of premature delivery. In a recent study of more than 100 women who were either pregnant or had recently given birth, the women with periodontal disease were seven times more likely to deliver a premature, low birth weight baby than those with healthy gums. (By comparison, combined alcohol use and smoking during pregnancy increase the probability by 2.5 times.) Another ongoing study of 2,000 women has also found a similar increased risk.
What is the connection? Researchers believe that bacteria from diseased gums enter the bloodstream during eating or brushing. These bacteria may then affect the levels of prostaglandin (or PGE2), a biological fluid naturally present in a woman's body. When the level of PGE2 rises significantly, usually in the ninth month of pregnancy, labour begins. But in women with serious gum disease, the level of PGE2 may rise too soon, triggering early labour.
For more information about changes to your oral health during pregnancy, click here.
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